World Records and Standout Performances Highlight Virtus World Championships in Ourense

Ourense, Spain – The opening sessions of the Virtus World Championships at the Pista de Atletismo Cuberta de Ourense delivered exceptional performances, highlighted by world records, championship records, and strong international competition.

Spain’s Deliber Rodriguez Ramirez produced one of the standout performances of the championships, winning the Men’s 400m II1 final in 48.91 seconds, setting a new World Record. The mark improves the previous record of 48.94 set in 2024 and capped an impressive day for the Spanish team.

Deliber Rodríguez Ramírez admitted that the world record performance came as a surprise, even to him.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect it. I trained well, but very calmly. I came into the race with good preparation, expecting maybe a personal best. I thought I could run 48 seconds, and I did it. And it’s the first time I’ve ever done it.”

Another world record fell in the Men’s 3000m II1, where Gael Geffroy (France) ran a remarkable 8:25.35 to take gold in one of the fastest races of the competition. Ukraine’s Pavlo Voluikevych finished second in 8:25.86, while Mehmet Emin Eğilmez (Turkey) claimed bronze in 8:28.44.

Gaël Geffroy said he felt well prepared for the competition and was confident going into the race after months of hard training.

“Honestly, I trained very hard to get here. I prepared well, and on top of that, I managed to break the world record. We had aimed for around 8:25, at least. The final placing depends on everyone in the race, but I managed to do it. I was already European champion last year, and now I’ve become world champion for the very first time.”

In sprint action, Igor Oliveira (Portugal) set a Championship Record of 6.94 seconds in the Men’s 60m II1 semifinals, underlining Portugal’s strong presence across the sprint events.

Portugal also celebrated success in the field events. Ana Filipe secured gold in the Women’s Triple Jump II1 with a best jump of 11.41m, and added another podium finish in the women’s hurdles competition.

Versatile Portuguese athlete Lenine Cunha delivered a series of strong performances across multiple events, earning medals in hurdles and triple jump while also leading the men’s pentathlon competition.

Italy stood out in the Women’s Long Jump II2, where Chiara Zeni won gold with a jump of 3.78m, leading an Italian clean sweep of the podium ahead of Elisa Zendri and Nicole Orlando.

In the Men’s Long Jump II2, David Vodstrčil (Czech Republic) secured the title with 4.52m, narrowly beating Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Asenov and France’s Nicolas Virapin in a closely contested event.

Distance events were highly competitive throughout the sessions. In the Women’s 3000m II1, Aneta Bielecka (Poland)claimed gold in 11:11.41 ahead of compatriot Anna Bodziony and Ukraine’s Iryna Kandyba.

Saturday evening’s finals added more standout performances. In the Women’s Shot Put II1, Gloria Agblemagnon (France) produced a throw of 14.31m, setting a Championship Record to win gold.

Relay events also brought intense competition, with Portugal winning the men’s 4x200m final in 1:33.35, narrowly ahead of Spain in 1:33.44, while France finished third. In the women’s 4x200m relay, Turkish women defeated the Polish team to claim the title, followed by Ukraine.

In the II3 category, Italy continued its success through Andrea Mattone, who won the Men’s Shot Put II3 with a throw of 7.73m, and Federico Cabizza, who claimed victory in the Men’s 60m II3 in 7.46 seconds.

Spain also celebrated a strong performance in the Men’s 1500m II2, with Jose Nicolas Castaño Castro leading a Spanish one-two finish ahead of teammate Mikel García Aguirrezabal.

The championships have already showcased remarkable athletic performances, with multiple records and tight finishes setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the competition in Ourense.